Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln | | | | By Shia Kapos | With help from Olivia Olander Happy Thursday, Illinois. After 30 years, “Groundhog Day” holds up, and you can say that again, writes Sun-Times’ Richard Roeper.
| | TOP TALKER | | | Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley, photographed during a 2019 House Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, is no longer on the committee. | AP Photo/Andrew Harnik | It’s one thing for Democrats to be bumped by Republicans on congressional committees now that the GOP controls the House, but Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley got the heave-ho by his own party. Out of Intel: The IL-05 Democrat learned second-hand that Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries took Quigley off the House Intelligence Committee, a panel he had served on since 2015. “I’m disappointed,” Quigley told Playbook in a phone interview. “I would have appreciated it if he had the respect to call me. I found out from someone else that I was off.” Quigley said he was “honored” to have served on the panel as long as he did. Now, he finds himself with just one committee assignment: Appropriations. “All you can do is work with what you got,” he said. Was it revenge? Quigley’s exit might be a sign of how politics works under Jeffries, the newly named Democratic leader. Quigley had privately backed Adam Schiff to replace Nancy Pelosi as leader of the Democratic caucus. Schiff bowed out of the running, but the slight by Quigley may still have stung for Jeffries. No comment: A Jeffries spokesperson noted Quigley had already served for four full terms on the Intelligence Committee, but otherwise declined to comment, reports POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu. The rules: The Intelligence Committee limits members to four terms on the panel, though members can receive waivers. And Quigley was shut out of that, too. Better news for Krishnamoorthi: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) was tapped by Jeffries to lead Democrats on a select committee on strategic competition between the United States and China. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky was named the ranking member on the Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee. And in the Senate: Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) will helm the Senate Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, via POLITICO Pro’s Morning Transportation only newsletter.
| | THE BUZZ | | POLLING THE MAYOR’s RACE: If we learned anything from the 2016 presidential election, it’s that you have to take a big grain of salt with polling. Still, they’re fun fodder for political junkies. Two new polls from 1983 Labs, a new digital polling company in Chicago, show Mayor Lori Lightfoot leading the pack — and Willie Wilson right behind her. The undecideds. One poll shows 18 percent of voters don’t know who they’re voting for, and the other says 22 percent are undecided. Who’s behind the polls: 1983 Labs is not affiliated with any candidate, according to Adam Gunther, who leads the firm with Benjamin Bobo. Gunther has worked in digital communications and political campaigns for KNI Communications, and Bobo earned his masters from the University of Chicago with a focus in survey research and election campaigns. The number of undecided voters in the 1983 Labs polls coincides with Harris Poll's recent survey showing 47 percent of respondents have not yet decided for whom they’re going to vote. Reading tea leaves: The Harris Poll shows city residents “widely rebuking” the mayor, while also not being convinced that her challengers have “the character, credentials and capability to do the job,” Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson wrote in the Tribune. If you are House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Playbook would like to know how committee assignments are doled out. Email skapos@politico.com.
| | JOIN POLITICO ON 2/9 TO HEAR FROM AMERICA’S GOVERNORS: In a divided Congress, more legislative and policy enforcement will shift to the states, meaning governors will take a leading role in setting the agenda for the nation. Join POLITICO on Thursday, Feb. 9 at World Wide Technology's D.C. Innovation Center for The Fifty: America's Governors, where we will examine where innovations are taking shape and new regulatory red lines, the future of reproductive health, and how climate change is being addressed across a series of one-on-one interviews. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | At Brainerd Park Apartments at 10:45 a.m. with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge to highlight the Biden administration's work to address homelessness.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events. Have a news tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? I’d like to hear from you: skapos@politico.com
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Raoul sues 3M, other makers of ‘forever chemicals’: “Chemicals commonly known as PFAS are tied to cancer and other health conditions,” by Sun-Times’ Brett Chase. — Chicago-area parents want zabiha-halal and kosher food options in schools. A proposed bill would be a game changer, by Tribune’s Zareen Syed — Illinois House passes rules removing pandemic-era remote voting, by Center Square’s Greg Bishop — Let the good times roll: The Illinois State Museum is returning to pre-pandemic hours, folks.
| | 2023 MUNICIPAL RACES | | — TWO BIG ENDORSEMENTS: Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been endorsed in her reelection bid by veteran state Rep. Camille Lilly, who represents Chicago's West Side. “It’s inspiring to see Mayor Lightfoot’s efforts through INVEST South/West push to revitalize communities that have been overlooked for far too long,” Lilly said in a statement. Meanwhile, mayoral challenger Paul Vallas has been endorsed by Ald. Tom Tunney, once a close Lightfoot ally. Tunney represents the 44th Ward in Chicago’s Lakefront area on the city’s North Side. "When it comes to public safety, the number one issue for most Chicagoans, I have every confidence that Paul will work to keep our city safe 24/7," Tunney said, via ABC 7’s Craig Wall. — Fundraiser: Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her wife, Amy Eshleman, headline a campaign fundraiser Feb. 16. Among the splashy cohosts: media mogul Fred Eychaner, LGBTQ community activist Art Johnston and Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts. Details here — Speaking of Laura Ricketts, she’s Lightfoot’s top donor, by Crain’s Greg Hinz — VIDEO: Kam Buckner discusses his mayoral candidacy with Laura Washington, via Block Club — The Chicago Teachers Union, which is backing Brandon Johnson for mayor, has called on Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler to take back the organization’s endorsement of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot until she allows for 12 weeks of paid leave for Chicago Public School employees. It’s a political stunt and Emily’s List isn’t biting. “No comment,” it said. — 6th Ward: As Ald. Roderick Sawyer runs for mayor, these 11 South Siders hope to succeed him, by Block Club’s Atavia Reed and Noah Glasgow — 26th Ward: Ald. Maldonado endorses community activist Jessie Fuentes, by Block Club’s Mina Bloom — 46th Ward: Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison has endorsed Kim Walz in her campaign for 46th Ward alderwoman. — Mayoral questionnaire, via BGA Policy, which is part of the Better Government Association. Its first question pertains to FOIAs, which is often part of BGA investigations. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a former BGA board member, didn’t participate. — Ethics Board warns candidates: Don’t use uniformed cops in your ads, by WTTW’s Heather Cherone
| | CHICAGO | | — ENTERPRISE: Chicago is seeking its own Jamie Dimon after Ken Griffin’s exit: Mayor Lori Lightfoot is “urging business leaders to be champions for the city, and the mayor has been meeting with CEOs to discuss how to tackle crime,” by Bloomberg’s Isis Almeida, Shruti Singh and Kim Chipman. — Aldermen hit brakes on Lightfoot’s 15-year ComEd proposal and ship it to committee: “The delay comes amid concerns that such a monumental agreement should be decided after the upcoming municipal elections,” write Tribune’s Alice Yin and A.D. Quig. — Violence prevention center opens up in former Englewood elementary school, by Tribune’s Richard Requena — Norfolk Southern’s massive rail yard expansion plan for South Side nabs City Council approval after previous delay, by Tribune’s Alice Yin and John Lippert — Chicago family files federal lawsuit following separation at border, by Sun-Times’ Elvia Malagón — City plan to ticket drivers who block bike lanes downtown draws mixed reaction from cycling advocates, by Block Club’s Mina Bloom and Casey Toner — United Center concessions workers authorize strike, by Sun-Times’ David Roeder
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — In documentary, DePaul filmmakers explore Bears' possible move to Arlington Heights, by Daily Herald’s Christopher Placek — $12M settlement for teen shot by Richton Park officer, by Sun-Times’ David Struett — 'Feel like royalty': Balmoral Restaurant in Campton Hills makes Yelp's list of top 100 in the nation, by Daily Herald’s Rick West
| | ...SWAMP THINGS... | | — Ex-Chicago firefighter charged with storming U.S. Capitol with right-wing militia group, by Tribune’s Jason Meisner — Jan. 6 defendant who sprayed line of police sentenced to 68 months after tearful apology, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Tom Girardi, disgraced former lawyer, indicted on fraud charges in Chicago, by The Associated Press’ Brian Melley and Kathleen Foody — Springfield TIF administrator on leave following arrest, by Illinois Times' Dean Olsen
| | POT-POURRI | | — First cannabis store with a bar and a bakery under the same roof opens in Illinois: The majority owner is Charles Mayfield, who is interim chief operating officer for Chicago Public Schools. Former Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar is a minority owner. They formed a partnership with West Town Bakery to include a cafe and an event space that can be rented out for birthday parties or other occasions, via Tribune’s Robert McCoppin.
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Michelle Obama announces new podcast based on 'The Light We Carry' book tour, via CBS News — Chicago Reader names Solomon Lieberman new CEO following tumultuous transition to nonprofit, by Tribune’s Robert Channic — Loyola University Chicago President Mark Reed was in Washington on Wednesday meeting with Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth. On their agenda: funding for educational institutions in Illinois.
| | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked about our greatest triumph in the past 100 years: Ed Mazur: “Curing polio.” Will Newton: “The Cubs winning the World Series!” John Straus: “Electing Barack Obama president ... twice.” Patricia Ann Watson: “Wide-scale potable water and sewerage treatment.” What politician posed with you for a selfie? (Send pix!) Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — The cold calculus behind the shrinking GOP presidential field, by POLITICO's Jonathan Martin — Nikki Haley poised to enter 2024 presidential race, by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt — Biden and McCarthy hold ‘first good’ meeting on debt ceiling, but ‘no agreements, no promises,’ by POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Abin Kuriakose was promoted to chief strategy and innovation officer for World Business Chicago. He was executive VP and earlier director and program manager. Kuriakose leads World Business Chicago’s strategic efforts and programs focused on the region’s tech, innovation and startup economy. — Patty García is now chief of staff and district director for Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García’s 4th District congressional office. She's been district director for García since he entered Congress in 2019. — Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli now serves as Garcia's deputy chief of staff and comms director. She joined his staff in 2019 as senior adviser and comms director. Also in the congressman’s office, María Velázquez is outreach director and Naomi Meria Lake is senior legislative assistant. — Andrea Harris will join Protect Our Care as director of policy programs. She was chief of staff to Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and two Health and Human Services assistant secretaries. — Ashley Munson has joined the Obama Foundation as manager of community engagement and government affairs. She's the former senior manager of government affairs at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to John Mark Hansen for correctly answering that George Leighton, namesake of the Cook County Criminal Courts Building, was a federal judge once indicted for inciting a riot. TODAY’s QUESTION: What Chicago hotel offered seaplane rides to the Loop? Email skapos@politico.com
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